Cohesion Policy

9 September 2010

The main goal of PRIMO is to develop an holistic approach of city governance, i.e. an integrated approach where the city is considered as an entity and in which all institutions and stakeholders cooperate to realize political targets. In this approach the common adressing of risks and benefits, of chances and threatenings is crucial for success. Moreover the ‘tuning’ with higher governmental institutions is crucial. This approach is anchored within our statutes and businessplan, our networks, products and services. Multi-level governance is a crucial factor of urban development and as approach and as attitude risk management of the first degree. It is the core business of our members.

1) Cohesion policy should cover all EU regions’. Cohesion policy is and should remain a development policy aiming at a balanced and sustainable development of the whole Union. Regions lagging behind will still require particular consideration. The EU will not develop harmoniously if significant pockets of poverty remain, or if support is given to only part of the EU.

2) Cohesion policy should remain a fundamental and distinct policy of the European Union. Cohesion policy should set out a clear vision and strategy, enabling a focus on core priorities. The vision should be based on territorial potential, i.e. on the opportunities and development capacity of regions and localities, particularly cities, where 75% of people live and 85% of GDP is produced. Cohesion policy can help to deliver the new Europe 2020 strategy by promoting multi-level governance and integrated policies. Cohesion Policy should be well coordinated with EU sectoral policies also contributing to Europe 2020 objectives. It should nevertheless retain its own overarching objectives and priorities.

3) Cohesion policy will be more effective and its outcomes more enduring if it is designed and delivered in partnership with cities. The future policy should be rooted in policy and delivery frameworks that involve cities. It should include mandatory urban priorities: principal cities in a region should be involved in setting those and in determining the appropriate scales of intervention. Cohesion policy should also explore the potential of functional areas to address the large number of issues and challenges that extend beyond administrative boundaries. Cities should have the opportunity to manage urban measures directly and receive delegated funding.